Delhi air quality better, L-G orders to keep up momentum

New Delhi, Dec 5 (IANS) The air quality in Delhi has improved due to the action taken by various agencies, but there is a need to keep up the effort, the Lt Governor’s office said on Monday.

The remarks came after Lt Governor Najeeb Jung held a meeting at Raj Niwas here to review the condition of air pollution in Delhi.

During the meeting, which was attended by Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Environment Minister Imran Hussain, Jung ordered strict enforcement of the ban on diesel generators and firecrackers, especially during marriages.

He asked Delhi Police to act tough against the offenders, a statement from Jung’s office said.

Jung also asked the Transport Department to chalk out a plan to promote greater use of public transport.

During the meeting, various agencies apprised the Lt Governor of action taken by them to curb pollution.

“The Public Works Department (PWD) informed that they have procured seven mechanical cleaners, which are currently being deployed in Anand Vihar; and by December-end, they would buy nine more such machines,” the statement said.

The North Municipal Corporation of Delhi (North-MCD) Commissioner informed Jung that the Bhalswa fire has been contained by depositing rubbish.

The Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) said that 43,050 vehicles have been checked at the Delhi borders, out of which 8,855 have been turned back. Also, 5,344 vehicles have been fined for not carrying the pollution certificate, the statement said.

It added that the Transport Department has issued 1,349 challans for overloading, 2,135 for not carrying PUC certificates and 6,386 for being visibly polluting.

The meeting was also attended by Director General of Centre for Science and Environment Sunita Narain, Prof Manju Mohan from the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences and Tarunvir Singh Khehar, Standing Counsel in the National Green Tribunal for the Delhi government.